Permaculture in Five Days

Further Information




This information is additional to what you can see on the Permaculture in 5 Days page.

We developed this course for people who want to learn about permaculture but can’t take two weeks out of their life to go on the Design Course. The main focus on the all-important design exercises but this leaves plenty of time to cover other topics. These concentrate mainly on how permaculture can be applied in the garden, as this is where most participants will have the opportunity to practice it. But the principles you will learn can be applied on land at any scale, from a tiny uban back yard to a farm. By the end of the course you will have a clear idea of what permaculture is all about, both in theory and in terms of how to use it in your own life.

In addition to the main design exercises, teaching methods include talks, discussions, slide shows, desk-top exercises and demonstrations. We have at least one outdoor session every day.

As well as making full use of the organic market garden on the farm we also go into the beautiful surrounding countryside, where permaculture is never far away. Participants also receive comprehensive course notes covering the main topics.


One of the polytunnels

Timetable

 


Morning


Afternoon

Day 1


Introductions, Multi-Dimensional Design

Site Tour, Microclimates, Placement Exercise I

Day 2


Key Planning Tools, Listening Skills, Mapping

Base Map, Mulching, Placement Exercise II

Day 3


A Tale of Two Chickens, Perennial Vegetables, Energy


Practical Work, Open Space


Day 4


Soil, An Urban Garden


Reading the Landscape, Design Questionnaire


Day 5


Design Methods


Main Design Exercise

This timetable is for guidance only and may vary from time to time according to circumstances.


Colum Pawson

Venue

Maiden Croft Farm is owned by the Paddington Farm Trust it’s main function is to give children from inner London an experience of the countryside. It is mainly grassland, with a traditional orchard and a small woodland, in addition to the market garden. The view from the farm over the Vale of Avalon to the Mendip Hills is of exceptional beauty.

The town of Glastonbury is within walking distance. It’s noted for its associations with myth, legend and spirituality. A favourite activity out of teaching hours is to walk up Glastonbury Tor, the local landmark, from which there is a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.


Food

A characteristic of this, as of all our courses is the very high standard of the meals. Organic ingredients are used wherever possible and we are fortunate to have Fiona Bruce, a chef of great talent, on our team. Most of the vegetables used on the course come from Colum Pawson's garden on the farm itself. Food miles are reduced to yards!


Group